Tigers reeling off wins, but they're still itching to get Cabrera back

Detroit News | Aug 4

The Tigers have won seven straight and 11 of their last 12 games but they’re still not playing at a peak level.

Not without Miguel Cabrera.

Cabrera missed his third straight game Saturday night because of a strained lower abdomen.

With three home runs others are showing their power — and pitching is carrying the Tigers through the streak. But there’s no substitute for Cabrera.

“That’s what team is all about and that’s why you call it a team” manager Jim Leyland said. “We’re doing OK but we need the big fella. I’ll be glad when he’s back in there.”

With Cabrera out Jose Iglesias played third base and Matt Tuiasosopo batted third. Iglesias hit his first homer as a Tiger but Tuiasosopo went 0-for-3 in Saturday’s 3-0 win over the White Sox.

“It’s not the same without him trust me. We’re still hitting homers and we’re still going out and playing the game” said Torii Hunter who had one of three solo home runs Saturday. “When Miguel is in the lineup that changes everything. We’re playing well but when we get him back that’s going to be a lot of fun.”

In recent games other players such as Austin Jackson and Alex Avila have have contributed fueling the Tigers’ longest win streak of the season.

“I’ve always said we have so much talent in this clubhouse. Miggy is part of it. But even without Miggy there are plenty of guys in here that are very capable of dominating in the major leagues” said Max Scherzer who improved to 16-1. “You’re going to see the rest of the guys step up and do their jobs and keep the winning streak going.”

In Cabrera’s absence Jhonny Peralta boomed a home run to dead center field estimated at 444 feet.